I have a question: when was the last time YOU took a homeless person to lunch? How about just buying that person a Happy Meal for them because they aren't allowed in the store? Or when was the last time you sat down with someone unknown and listen to their story? Well, I guess that was more than one question afterall.I do these things on a regular basis, not to toot my Peterbilt horn, but to only say that I like to be on a personal basis with my giving. The personal touch, ya know? The person receiving is so much more helped with self-esteem issues when you are there with your helping hand reaching out for theirs. The person giving is also elevated in spirit knowing that what they did caused someone else joy that is immediate and personal.
It is not hard to find someone in need. A whole lot of folks are facing issues they may never have faced before. Loss of a job, loss of housing, loss of toys. Life is tough right now. Whatever I can do I do. People just need to know that there is others out there that will help.
And not just government assistance. How depersonalized is that? Go to some office somewhere and stand in line with other less than enthusiastic people. Waiting to get a check from some faceless worker across a desk soiled with coffee stains and such. Getting the third degree of questions from some form or other made to make you feel awful. Hell, beat me with a stick.
Remember, the government is not the cavalry. It is better to take your lumps, learn the lesson, and move on. If you get the gov involved in your business, it ain't yours no more. The line of battleships coming over the horizon can be just as deadly for your cause as it is to help.The so called stimulus bill just passed is not what is needed for our country. I've read some of it, and what I've read I don't like. It is a big payoff for democrat groups and not much help for the consumer. And at near a Trillion Dollars, we are all gonna be homeless as well as our children and grand children. Ouch!
So, my message is to suck it up, take your lumps, and let's help each other by reaching out on a personal basis. Get to know those around you. Talk with them. Have cookouts. Be like we were.
(All photos from the National Archives Online)
